On Monday I was honoured to be named in the Disability Power 100 in the Rising Star category, as one of the most influential disabled people in the UK, for my continued campaign and charity work calling for all children to be taught to read and write regardless of their educational label / disability. Held at the Landmark Hotel in London it was a wonderful celebration, my first big in person event since the pandemic began, and a chance to meet lots of inspirational people – all forces for good in the disabled community.

For a long time it has been my dream to visit Scotland; to absorb the stunning vistas and scenery.  When I started my campaign in 2016 for all children to be taught to read and write regardless of their educational label, I was contacted by a retired teacher from Shetland, with whom I have maintained a regular correspondence ever since.  Through Karen’s letters and parcels I have been introduced to a country with its own distinct culture and proud heritage, including a wee number of new words and phrases.  And it gradually fanned into flame a desire to visit it for myself.  This summer my dream came true and it didn’t disappoint.  What a beautiful country with friendly people and a lot of interesting history.

As my holidays drew to a close my levels of elation did not, for an exciting new start lay ahead. During lockdown I was overwhelmed at the kindness that had been branched out to me by another local school, inclusion at its most flexible as I joined for English lessons on zoom.

Now I am a member of this school and I’m coming to the end of my first half term. Life has increased in pace as I study English language A-level and catch up with two years of missed school socialising with equal enthusiasm.

New adventures are great!